Hello Friends, Some changes on tap. This blog is being replaced with Vintage Terrace "2". You may find it on the right panel under "My Blog List." Those of you faithful followers can follow on that blog as this one will eventually be eliminated.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Here's such a handy idea for re-purposing those metal Christmas tins that your cookies came in. You can transform them into something that even matches your decor. Take a look: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/33320/how-to-transform-holiday-tins

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas to you all. My wish for you is that it would be filled with love and joy and that you would have great hope for the future. Let us remember this year the "reason for the season" that such a momentous event was marked for all of history when baby Jesus was born. Blessings to you all, Coleen and family

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Here's a direction that my art has been taking me lately. I've been working with some fun fabric/paper techniques. I don't have anything ready to show you here yet, but when I saw this in the blogosphere I thought I should share it: http://www.favecrafts.com/Quilting/Crayon-Stained-Quilt-Art

Monday, December 21, 2009

This is called an Accordion Origami Book. We made a bunch of them for relatives this year. You can find directions for it: http://www.making-mini-scrapbooks.com/ and there are more of them further down if your interested.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Congratulations Tanya Galchevskaya,the winner of our December giveaway. Tanya will receive an package of some beautiful scrapbooking supplies unique to this part of the world. Tanya, send us your address so we can get these out to you.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

These are two street urchins that tailed our car(pun intended)when we pulled into a gas station not long ago. They were obviously looking for a hand out and the only thing I had was a fresh loaf of dark bread that Jeff and I were looking forward to snacking on later. Often, street dogs at stops like this don't want bread. They are waiting for something a bit more upscale. So I thought I'd tear off a small piece for each. Well, they were so hungry they gobbled it down and all I could do is continue to feed them. I was sorry I didn't have more after they finished off that loaf. There are street dogs like this all over Ukraine and quite a number of people feed them just as I did, but these two were very thin.

These two shots are before the snow hit us. We had a long warm fall. It's a good thing since there is no heat in the church. If they look like black and white shots they are not. It's just that winter here appears pretty black and white for a number of months. Aren't these skies dramatic?

Sunday, December 13, 2009

My husband Jeff was there this week so I thought I'd show you a picture he took on a previous trip. He had a Bible class he taught all week to a group from a closed country that he cannot go into as a Christian. It went very well and he returns tomorrow. I'm always glad to have him back home in the nest and safe.

Don't forget, sign up between now through the 15th as a follower on Tea On The Terrace or a VintageTerrace2 fan (heart box on the right). Sign up both places for two chances to win. I'll be announcing winner on the 16th. All current followers are included and can up chances by leaving a comment.

Angie from Scrapscene has such a darling felt flower and easy to make. I had to share it as I knew some of you might want to try it. Also, for more craft projects check out the Vintage Terrace Fan Page on the right where the Celtic heart is. Lots of fun crafts there.
http://www.scrapscene.com/2009/12/felt-flower-tutorial.html#comment-77468

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Just for a little fun. Leave a comment on one of our posts to be entered for a prize to be chosen on December 15....a little Christmas early. For two chances to be put in the hat, sign on as a follower with Tea On The Terrace. You who are already followers will automatically be in. Cool, huh! We don't have a big follower list since I just put that gadget on not that long ago, which makes your chances of winning pretty good.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Angie, from Scrapscene discovered the uniqueness of what we are doing here in Ukriane and put a little feature link on her Newsletter she sends out. That is so cool....thank you Angie. Therefore, we've now had people looking at this blog who might never have stumbled upon it otherwise. She also featured some really cute dolls she made. You can see it all here: http://www.scrapscene.com/2009/12/speedlink-saturday-for-week-of-nov-2909.html

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Today I was blessed to have the privilege of scrapbooking with a group of the most enthusiastic deaf ladies. This meeting was held at the Simferopol Baptist Church in the Crimea region of Ukraine. That is entirely to the south close to the Black Sea. I helped them to each set up a scrapbook for next year entitled, "Building Godly Convictions"(values) as it is a study they will go through and continue to scrap all next year. We simply set up the monthly pages and they got to do just a bit of scrapping for each month in preparation. We had so much fun and I am always so impressed with the creativity of Ukrainian people. This is just a couple of the ladies that attended. I am very grateful for those who prayed. It was truly a blessed time.

These are the three girls who helped me do this class today. They are L-R, Lena, Lena and Katya. The middle Lena was my translator who did signing for me. She was really good at getting across my words. I really appreciated here attentiveness.

If you haven't checked it out yet better look and see what you can do with your kids, school or your Sunday school class. Some real cute things: http://www.favecrafts.com/Kids-Holiday-Crafts/12-Kids-Christmas-Crafts-Ornaments-Giftsand-Decor

Friday, December 4, 2009

On Saturday I will be leading a class of deaf ladies in scrapbooking the theme, "Developing Godly Values." Please be in prayer for me and for the ladies and not just for Saturday, but that the Lord would use me to share my heart in such a way that impacts their lives for Christ in an ongoing manner. For that I would be very grateful.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Check out this site for some easy kid's crafts for Christmas fun with the grandkids, your kids, or school classmates: http://www.favecrafts.com/Kids-Holiday-Crafts/12-Kids-Christmas-Crafts-Ornaments-Giftsand-Decor#

Here is a sampling of what my daughter Leah and I did for family this Christmas. As missionaries we don't get to be with family very often on holidays, but in 2007 we were privileged to celebrate Christmas with both Jeff's and my side of the family. So having pictures we thought that would be a good memory to preserve for all. What a joy it was.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Got a new phone a while back since the antennae in my old Nokia just couldn't be fixed(like an old friend, I hated to let it go) and needed a case. So this is what I put my hand to with a needle, felt, scissors and some glitter glue for sparkle. You know, us girls just love sparkle. It is just the way God made us and I don't want to fight a good thing.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Upon arriving at Pine Branch Lodge the ladies immediately went to work painting small duffle bags. The following is a sampling of the wonderful creativity that comes out of them. It is with great joy that I have the privilege to assist with such things and encourage their natural creativity.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Two of the youngest attendees, Liza(left)and Oxana (right) from our Bucha church working on their scrapbooks. This gives them an opportunity to make a physical testament as to their faith life that they can keep adding to for years to come. Our 50 women were broken into two groups for class and I so enjoyed leading them in this time of creativity and discovery. They did some very beautiful work. For more pictures you can check out our mission blog: http://franksukraine.blogspot.com/

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Please pray for Pastor Victor's widow and children in Fastiv, Ukraine. He passed away yesterday after a diagnosis of flu and pneumonia, which got out of control. His brother Stepan is deathly ill, and may follow Victor to join those awaiting in heaven. Pastor Victor was the brother of Nadia, a member of our church in Bucha. Nadia is very active in the children's EE ministry. She is in Fastiv now with her grieving relatives.

Friday, November 13, 2009

A lovely lily to brighten up your cold fall day. This morning as I was out early taking Jeff to the bus stop (Leadership Summit with Bill Hybels in Kiev) I notices that our lilacs, that lost all their leaves some time ago, are starting to bud again. The last couple weeks have been so warm after some real severe weather that they are confused. Same thing happened last winter and we thus had less blooming this year. So it's a mixed bag. I like the warm, but it's not good for the plants and what they do next summer. Isn't it good though that we are not the ones in charge of all this?

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Norah does faces. She also does tutorials. She's quite creative. Sometimes I'm just torn between spending time doing art and ministry. I love them both.
Please, as I come to mind this weekend, pray for me. Three of us are leading a women's conference over the weekend with 50 in attendance. Pray for those women who will attend and all the three leaders. I'm combining both loves, ministry and scrapbooking "The Amazing Journey of Faith." That is the title of the conference and the scrapbook. Enjoy Norah. http://allnorahsart.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 6, 2009

This is at my front door in summer. Now that it's become too cold for him outside he sits just inside the door. A friend gave me the hanging plants, but they were just a couple of twigs that I stuck in the dirt and they grew. Sometimes I'm just amazed at the things that God creates.

This is the real "guardian at the gate." Her name is Gracie and she is a 7 year old Staffordshire Terrier. She loves to fetch, she's great with kids, but she has a fierce-some bark. She's a good watch dog, trained professionally, so you wouldn't want to come in the gate uninvited.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Well, not quite, but after 10 days with no gas heat we now have a new heating system that includes hot water. I lingered in the hot shower today and that truly was glorious. Given that we are to reach about 27 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 celcius) tonight I am so thankful that it is finally all working. One thing about being without is how grateful you feel when you achieve something you didn't have. Don't we take a lot for granted? I know I do. And each time the Lord sees fit to remove something from my life and leave me wanting, I hope to remember it is a lesson in gratefulness. I can either complain about my life and what he's given me (or taken away)or I can use it as a lesson to grow. Simple things like heat and electricity are so easy to take for granted, but after going 15 days without electricity once, I try not to do that. So today I am grateful.

I knew you'd like to see this pretty piece. It is done by one of the many talented ladies in our Yahoo Mini-Books group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mini-books/#ans
and you can explore Pam's site by clicking on the picture:
Have fun.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Winter is rapidly approaching and we decide to change the heating system. I did mention doing it last summer, but...... The man who is installing it said we would be at least 4 days without heat. We've been two days so far and all radiators are in but the kitchen. No pipes are run to them as yet. We are upgrading from an old Soviet era dinosaur to a French/German model that is waaayyy more economical and will also heat our water. That means no more hot water tank that ran all the time. Jeff thinks it will pay out in as little as 5 years. Plus we will eventually have an indoor thermostat so I don't have to go to the cold garage at 2 a.m. to regulate the temperature. Am I grateful? Yes, thank you Lord for your provision. Did we ever adapt to the old system after central heat in America? Yes, the the beauty of having to do without something or difficulties is that when they are overcome, they make you so grateful. Try heating with wood and coal as we did our first three years. We had the experience of our great grandparents. That made us so grateful for any gas heat. Now after 15 years in Ukraine we will be up to western standards in our heating system. Thank you Lord for small steps and large, for your wonderful care for us. Help me to remember you are working in my soul and character each time we have troubles. May the difficulties bring me a grateful spirit. Amen.

Monday, October 26, 2009

I'm waiting, but I don't think we have enough warmth for this to open. It's this time of year when I rather mourn the passing of summer, but this year I am trying to change my mindset by planning winter things that I will have to look forward to besides the cold and the snow. This year I will spend more time in artistic endeavors besides, of course, the usual church and ministry. I am thinking of starting a new craft class on Saturdays. Please pray for me as I seek the Lord's leading in just how he'd have me proceed this winter.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Wishing you a Happy Autumn as we race into winter. Those who still have pretty leaves, take time to enjoy them. They won't be here for long. Though we've already had a slight freeze, we still have quite a bit of color and some pleasant days. These two cards were done the top by me, Coleen and the bottom by Leah for a swap on Handmade Mini-Books group that you can see here if you want to check it out: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mini-books/
Have a good week.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Something I made recently while relaxing with a movie one night. It is just a sample of some of the things we have on Vintage Terrace, our new little online shop to raise support for missions in Ukraine. You can check it out by looking for the fan page on the right and the pink celtic heart (I am Irish you know....Coleen?).

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Because several of you have made "Smile Cards," I was once again able to talk to a pastor here and explain our desire to give these cards to the sick, shut-ins, prisoners and invalid children. Caring people in America and even Canada have wanted to contribute to this project. The thing that was exciting to me with this particular encounter is the moment when I saw the light bulb come on in the pastor's face. He said, "We could have our Sunday school children make these right here." I was so pleased, he saw another ministry opportunity and the kids could be a part of it. Thank you for all of you who have helped with this. If anyone else would like to make cards, even single sided, but leave one side blank, just mail to us here in Ukraine. Coleen Franks, 8a Pushkin, Bucha, Kyiv.ob., 08293 Ukraine.
L-R: Jeff Franks, Nick Dikterenko (the pastor),wife Lena and the short one is me, Coleen

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Did you know that you can get a notice every time I write something on the blog? Just look down the right side for the FEEDJIT gadget and you can get notice in your email box so you don't have to go looking for this site. Then you can read it there in your inbox or go to the side from the notice. Also, if you go down further you can be a follower and I'd love it if you did both because then as a follower I can see your icon and know who you are. Hope you join me in these ways.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

We are about to soon turn the calendar over to a double digit,2010. No doubt the year will be historical in many ways, both nationally, worldwide and for each of us personally. Therefore, I am developing an idea that I think some of you might enjoy playing along with. It is a challenge to do a weekly question next year. This question can be interpreted in a number of ways. You can simply write about it or you can do a piece of artwork that represents the question. It is wide open as to how you interpret this challenge. The idea is to get you thinking and delving into questions of life that will bring the end of 2010 to a more satisfying conclusion and give you an opportunity to develop more creatively(if you want to) in the area of art, writing, poetry or ???. It will be totally personal and answers need not be shared with anyone though I envision us having a group Flickr site to post any artwork we do so we can share with one another. If you like this idea or would like to suggest a question, just post a comment below by hitting the "comment" button. Then stay in touch to see how this all develops. Should be fun.

Friday, October 9, 2009

I am so excited that I just got hold of this video of our kid's camp to share with you. It was done by one of our talented church members, Edward Malashkin. I had left the church early today and then felt the urge to return so I could give out some books. It was then that I had a conversation with Edward and found out the video was on YouTube. I'm sure that was the real reason the Lord brought me back to the church. Please pray about the possibility of the church having it's own website (another topic we touched on). We are always grateful for your willingness to hold us and the church up in prayer.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej3rcb71n2Q

Saturday, October 3, 2009

I know you haven't seen much of me lately on here, but there has been so many exciting things going on that it's just hard to juggle it all. Tomorrow will be our 4th session of Sunday school(SS) . We are doing things a bit different this year. Each year SS has been rather demanding for my team and I. Therefore we are making changes. Actually, it started last year with all the older classes scrapbooking their SS year. This year they are already underway with their new books. Last week we scrapped in the pastor (and wife) along with the picture of the church. Now, what we are doing differently this year in the younger groups is supplying them with crafts for them to do instead of us coming in. Of course, that takes a lot of preplanning so we shall soon see which is the easier method. Since my team goes up and down with who helps, the new system should work better for the teachers since they will be more in control of when they do crafts whether we are there or not. I would certainly appreciate your prayers for my wisdom in how this all goes this year.
The other projects are a new website, new endeavor, being creative, a November women's conference (with prayer scrapbook) and much more. I will share more of it here as I can in the near future. May your day be bright and beautiful, filled with His joy.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

My next door neighbor shot this little red squirrel that lives in one of her pine trees. She was telling me how he looks down and watches her gardening. I thought it might be interesting for you to see what a Ukrainian red squirrel looks like as opposed to our gray squirrels. The other thing which you can't see very well here is that they have long fuzzy ears.
What is also interesting about this...and why my neighbor, Ira, would even take such pictures, is that it is pretty rare that we see them. It is my understanding that, since the time of the Great Famine here (1930's), these little critters were hunted as a form of sustenance. And not just squirrels. There is very little wildlife to be seen. We live in a lovely pine forest and only once in 12 years have I seen a rabbit. Maybe twice in that time have I seen a fox. So, I thought you'd enjoy seeing the lovely little critter.

Introducing Snap Shots from Snap.com
I just installed a nice little tool on this site called Snap Shots that enhances links with visual previews of the destination site, interactive excerpts of Wikipedia articles, MySpace profiles, IMDb profiles and Amazon products, display inline videos, RSS, MP3s, photos, stock charts and more.
Sometimes Snap Shots bring you the information you need, without your having to leave the site, while other times it lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not.
Should you decide this is not for you, just click the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot and opt-out.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Sunday School has started right along with the new school year. This past Sunday we passed out new scrapbooks (actually small notebooks) for most of the older classes. They will document their church experience throughout the year with lessons, photos, verse, pictures, stickers and just whatever they come up with that they want to remember from the year. Last year I saw some truly lovely books. I am always amazed by the talent in some of the kids. Next Sunday they will put in a picture of the pastor and their church to start their books. Stickers and embelllishments are always something we can use for the kids if you want to help with this. Please pray for the teachers and the children in the Bucha church and for Leah and I as we work with both.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

This seems hard to believe, but, as I sit and type, I am in a McDonald's (fastfood) Restaurant in the capital city of Kiev. I am using their free-access wi-fi. Now, understand, if I were in America I would never be in a McD's as it would not be my place of choice for eating. On the other hand, here in Ukraine, there are some things we can count on with McD's. We know the menu, so selection is easy (I did say, not my choice??), the place is clean and service is fast. That is, after you stand in the long line of everyone else waiting to eat and all cashiers busy. And maybe most importantly, one can count on clean bathrooms, though you may well wait in line for that also. Did I say we've been here 15 years? I can remember when we lived in the little Crimean village of Nikolaieva after we first arrived. That was our first 3 1/2 ('94-'97) years in Ukraine. The day I saw that bright red and white Coca Cola truck come through I almost jumped up and down for joy. I know what most of you are thinking now.... she must be crazy about Coke. Well, on the contrary, I certainly am not, since I am much more conscious of good diet than that. What that Coke truck represented back then was a tie to our homeland. A tie to what was familiar, a tie to our culture.
Well, here I am doing wi-fi at McDonalds and I must admit that Coke trucks just don't do it for me anymore. Yes, things are a changin' in Ukraine. You should see some of our slick malls. They'd give fair competition to anything in America. Life certainly is interesting and it certainly is changin'.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Our home is placed on the front part of our lot which makes it closer to the road than I often like. There are, though, some advantages, like a big back yard and easy view of what or who drives by. This morning I was pleased to see a couple in their horse-drawn wagon. Our dirt road runs parallel to a nearby highway so this couple we see now and then. It reminds me of the simpler life in Ukraine that is rapidly passing away. When we arrived 15 years ago, such sights were not at all uncommon. I remember one farmer bragging about his horse didn't need gasoline and it didn't break down. For some in the coutry villages though, life continues in a manner much like it was 50-75 years ago. They plant a garden in spring, they store and can their harvest in fall. Some raise a pig for meat in winter. Some have a cow for milk and/or chickens for eggs and eating. This life is more similar to life in America maybe 100 years ago or more. Some have jobs out, but others make their living from what they can raise and sell some on the side. It is an interesting life here in Ukraine. We are grateful God has given us a small part in bringing hope to people here through training Jeff does of pastors and my work with ladies and children. When joy comes into their lives, it is an exciting moment. Thank you for taking time to read what I write. May your day be blessed.

Mt. Ararat has much Biblical history and such beauty in this shot taken by Jeff (my husband) on one of his previous trips to Armenia. And they are still looking for the Ark up there. Just had to share it with you.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Just had to share this little pretty from my garden. Every year it is beautiful for weeks, yet each bloom only lasts a day. It's a reminder of how temporary our lives on earth are and how important it is that we find meaning and joy in knowing what our future in heaven will be. Jesus Christ is the one who gives that meaning and purpose to our lives for the short time we are here. Know Him and you will know God in heaven.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Someone at church gave me this vase. They didn't want it because there was a chip in the front on the left. I remedied the chip and now I'm going to give it back to the church. It was simple and fun doing it. The flowers were my addition to go with the vase color. Though they are not real, which I greatly prefer, they are all a lovely combination. Just wish I was a better photographer. Where's my husband when I need him?

Monday, August 24, 2009

Today is Ukrainian Independance Day. We are having a quiet day at the house. It is nice to have my husband Jeff home. In my kitchen I put a door where a window once was so we would have access to the back yard. Of course, it is a glass door so I can look out into the yard. Everything is so nice and green now, but I know it won't be long before it is a beautiful white landscape. Makes me all the more appreciate that today three white butterflies twirl around in a lovely dance back there. I've tried to plant flowers that attract them. I plant the flowers and Jeff and I both photograph them. It is as if we are trying to capture their beauty, as if we are trying to hold onto the moment, but alas it is only a few days and they fade. It is a reminder that our time on earth is also very short, like a breath of air and we are gone. Oh for the glory of what is yet to come and the memory of what is behind. Photo by Jeff Franks in our garden.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Sorry I have been so silent, but I have been doing kid's camp this week. It takes a lot out of me. In addition I've been doing it with quite a painful back, but pain meds help. We are in a little village west of Kiev called Gorenechi. Each child is crafting their own scrapbook of their camp experience. I keep thinking they will finish and we will do another craft, but they just want to keep working on their albums. Many are truly beautiful. I'll try to get some pictures on here later. Pray for a strong finish today, Friday.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Jeff took the lower photo from this. I wanted to show you the new path I am working on. We buy these rocks a bucket at a time and have been doing this for several years, so I have a couple such paths around the yard. They really do make for a lovely touch. And as we approach fall, the garden is in all it's fullness and glory. I love spring with everything new and surprises, but I so enjoy fall for all the lushness and abundance that surrounds me. It is a time, for a short while, when everything is so beautiful and made more so by the fact that in, not so long a time, it will all be asleep under a deep blanket of snow. Already our temperatures have started to moderate. I still have flannel sheets on the bed, no a/c and I wore winter pjs twice this week. May your Sunday be blessed with the joy and love of the Lord.

Jeff took this picture of 14 year old Samson, who in the heat of the day (almost 90F. on some occasions), finds a cool spot mashing down my flowers. It's a good thing he takes the same spot over and over or I'd have to do something about it. Of course, at 14 (98 people age) one can't help but make a few exceptions. We used to have his sister, Delilah who was white, but she is romping in doggy heaven now. LOOK for the good today so you can see how God is blessing you.

Friday, August 14, 2009

This is something funny I ran across on the internet. Again another example of far-flung creativity. As ingenious as this is, it must be someone with a lot of spare time on their hands, which is not the case for me. Nonetheless, it is funny and worth the minute it takes to watch.

Monday, August 10, 2009

My dear husband, Jeff and the violinist, Jaime Jorge left today for Eastern Ukraine to do a concert tonight in the town of Poltava. Leah and I stayed behind. It used to be that on the first day after Jeff left (he travels A LOT) I would be a bit aimless for a day and sometimes a little bummed, but that doesn't go on now and I look forward to the times alone. I suppose you could call that growth, as I am now better at planning projects, listening to Christian music and spending time with the Lord. No, I don't sit around on my knees all day. I'm much too hyper for that, but as I work in the garden or in my studio I practice His presence in my heart. It is a time of peace and joy and a time of prayer. Today I'm praying for safety in travel for Jeff and Jaime. In addition, I'm praying that the concert would go well and many would come and be touched for the Kingdom, that there would be no interference and all equipment would work well. Would you join me in this for the next week? They will do a concert every night this week and two mornings. Altogether he will do 11 concerts in 8 days. They need our prayer support. May God be glorified.

Joy

Vintageterrace2's Fan Box

Vintage Terrace "2" Online Shop

Search This Blog

Email Subscriptions powered by FeedBlitz

About Me

What's to say, I love life, I am thankful that God chose me to be one of His children. As I can share that and my passion for creative expression I feel like I have it all. I have a loving supportive husband, two beautiful daughters, a great extended family, friends, what more could a gal want. I am truly blessed.